The solution, which is aimed to further increase utility productivity and revenue, is comprised of ReadCenter® Analytics software coupled with new ORION® SE two-way fixed network technology, and is complemented by a family of highly accurate and reliable meters and encoders.

The AMA solution supports water and gas utilities in six major areas: superior customer service delivery, water and energy conservation (specific to water management), revenue management, operations/asset management, government regulation, and information integration. For example, the customer service functionality includes the ability to analyze customer consumption over selected periods, which can be printed and mailed, or provided via a customer web portal.

For revenue management, AMA enables utilities to track consumption profiles of their largest customers and then design alerts to notify them of irregularities. Because AMA facilitates continuous data monitoring, it helps eliminate the need to run reports to find exception conditions. It also helps in operations and asset management with modules that allow utilities to easily schedule and track maintenance. Plus, customizable reporting features provide a utility with the specific information they need.

In the area of water and energy conservation, AMA facilitates rapid water leak detection because it enables utilities to uncover premise and distribution system leaks through continual usage flags, acoustic leak detection and analysis of district metering areas. It also provides the ability to monitor the effects of water conservation programs such as odd/even watering restrictions and implementation of low flow devices in homes.

“While most fixed networks enable utilities to collect raw metering data, the real power of a network is in the ability to systematically organize the data into meaningful and actionable information,” explains Rich Meeusen, chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter. “Our Advanced Metering Analytics solution helps utilities to ‘leap ahead’ by providing them with the tools and information they need to proactively manage operations into the future.”

The ReadCenter Analytics software platform, which is at the heart of the AMA solution, works together with the new ORION® SE system to collect, organize and analyze the meter data. The platform can be used to satisfy individual business requirements and goals, and it is compatible with most common database solutions used by utilities.